Ponca Indians Win C2 Title

Ponca Boys Basketball team capture the 2017 Nebraska Class C2 Title in true fashion beating Neligh-Oakdale 52-45.

The 24-4 team heading into the state tournament picked up the 3^rd seed and quickly dismantled 22-4 Centennial in their opening game 50-37.

Their next opponent, 24-5 Elmwood-Murdock, proved to be much more difficult and caused a little frustration in the 4^th quarter but with a big lead heading into the second half the Ponca boys were able to use that lead and hold them off to make it to the state final with a 50-45 win.

The state final was a great match up between a very athletic and coached team from Ponca against an experienced team from Neligh-Oakdale. The 26-4 Neligh-Oakdale Warriors just came off a big upset win against #1 seed St. Cecilia 55-50 where a big third quarter brought them ahead after being down at halftime. That third quarter was just enough for them to advance to the final to face Ponca.

The Ponca Indians knew this was going to be a challenge but they were up for it and proved they were the better team.

The Kingsbury brothers helped lead the team to victory but it was the bench that may have been the deciding factor outscoring Neligh-Oakdale 20-3. Logan Kingsbury had a game high 16 points while his brother Carter Kingsbury added 13 points and never allowed the Indians to trail the whole game.

This state title gave Ponca its first title in 10 years and there will be a celebration Tuesday evening at 6:30 in the school gymnasium for anyone that wants to come out and help celebrate this amazing accomplishment. Congrats to the Ponca Indians.

The Ponca girls team finished 4^th at this years state basketball tournament. Congrats to them as well.